Following a standout edition last December, the Games of the Future 2025 has been awarded two Gold distinctions at the Eventex Awards 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious awards for events and experiences.
The Gold Award for Hybrid Event recognised the Games of the Future’s unique blend of digital and physical competition, while the Gold Award for Esports Event highlighted the scale and impact of its world-class gaming competitions, which featured titles such as Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Fortnite.
Organized in partnership with ASPIRE, the local delivery authority, and Ethara, the official Event Delivery Partner, together with the support from Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Ministry of Sports, GOTF marked a major milestone in the global growth of phygital sport and reinforced Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for innovation-driven sporting events.
“Winning these awards is a proud moment for everyone involved in Games of the Future 2025 and a strong recognition of how far phygital sport has come on the global stage,” said John Hewitt, International Marketing & Communications Director at Phygital International. “The response we saw in Abu Dhabi highlighted the growing appetite for forward-thinking sports and entertainment experiences, while further reinforcing phygital sport as the future of sport.”
Held across Abu Dhabi from 17-23 December 2025, the event brought together more than 850 athletes from over 60 countries competing across 11 disciplines, combining esports titles with live physical sport in a single competitive format. The event attracted more than 40,000 fans onsite and reached audiences worldwide, generating 461 million broadcast views.
Now, attention turns to the next edition of the Games of the Future 2026, set to take place in Astana from 29 July-9 August. The event is expected to welcome more than 900 participants from over 50 nationalities competing across eight disciplines, as the city hosts another global celebration of sport, gaming and entertainment.
As the phygital movement continues to grow worldwide, host city bidding is now officially open for the 2028, 2029 and 2030 editions of the Games of the Future. Cities interested in playing a leading role in the future of sport, technology and youth engagement can request further information by contacting team@phygitalinternational.com.
